Hello KBA Members,

This is the first time I’ve written an E-News update and it isn’t raining.  This time it is too hot to be outside so I thought it was a good time to do something inside and cool.  Hopefully you have the upcoming meeting on Aug 9^th circled on your calendar.  At the last meeting several people were interested in a discussion concerning bison tours.    So, we will have a panel discussion on the various things that you may want to think about if you open your ranch up for farm tours.  The panel is made up of three people that do give tours.  Each has a different approach and focus.  The panel is comprised of Jerry Schmidt, Ed Dillinger, and either Linda or Verne Hubalek (Linda if I can talk her into it).  Each will give a brief summary of the tours they do then we will have questions from the members.  All members are invited to give their comments to the questions also.  This should be quite informative and enjoyable discussion.

Wholesale Bison Meat Prices:

In June the wholesale slaughter prices for young heifers and bulls both continued to increase.  The price for heifers increases $6.90/cwt to $218.03/cwt.  The price for bulls increased to $1.39/cwt to $227.02/cwt.  Aged cows dropped $10.28/cwt to $131.21/cwt. All prices are based on hot hanging weight and are for animals that were processed thru the federal inspection system.

Update on the Bison Kill in Colorado:

You may remember a couple of articles in the E-News about a herd of Bison in Colorado that wondered onto a neighboring farm and the neighbor had all the animals shot.  Well the story continues.  The neighbor has been formally charged with 32 counts of animal cruelty, one count of theft of more than $20,000 and a count of criminal mischief.   I’m sure this will continue for some time.

Upcoming KBA Events:

   Next meeting:

August 9^th is the next KBA meeting.  The committee meetings and the board meeting will both start at 3:30 pm with the general membership meeting starting promptly at 4:30pm.  A pot luck dinner will follow the meeting.  I will cook bison burgers.  Please feel free to bring friends, family and anyone who may be interested in the bison industry.  The meeting will be held at Smoky Hill Bison Co.  2660 E. Hobbs Creek Rd, Assaria, KS.   785-667-2707

  Directions to Smoky Hill Bison

From I135 south bound from Salina: Take Exit 82, go East ½ mile (stop sign), turn South on Old highway 81 and go 2 miles, turn East on Lapsley Rd, go 2 miles, turn South on Hopkins Rd and go 1 mile,  turn East on Hobbs Creek Rd and go 5/8 mile, turn south into driveway.  The turns are well marked with Smoky Hill Bison signs.

From I135 north bound: Take Exit 78, turn left off the off-ramp onto Old highway 81 and go north 1.8 miles, turn East on Lapsley Rd, go 2 miles, turn South on Hopkins Rd and go 1 mile,  turn East on Hobbs Creek Rd and go 5/8 mile, turn south into driveway.  The turns are well marked with Smoky Hill Bison signs.

From the west on highway 4: go thru Lindsborg to Bridgeport.  At the interchange for I135 stay on the 2 lane portion (it turns into old highway 81 and then follow the directions for northbound I135.  Once you get to Bridgeport (I135) the turns are well marked with Smoky Hill Bison signs.

From the east on highway 4:  2 miles west of Southeast of Saline school turn south on Simpson Rd and go 5 miles, turn West on Hobbs Creek Rd and go 1 3/8 miles, turn south into driveway.

Now to throw a kink in the directions, we were informed that the county may have Lapsley Rd closed during this time.  So if you are coming from the North, South or West PLEASE watch for detour signs located beside our regular highway signs on old highway 81.  If you see detour signs follow them. There will be one at every corner where you will have to turn.

  State Fair Booth:

The Kansas State fair is coming up September 5^th thru the 14^th.  We have a booth in the air conditioned Kansas Pride building.  We will need volunteers to man the booth.  Dan Ropp will have a schedule of available times for you to sign up for.  Signup for a shift in the booth, It’s a great way to educate and introduce people to buffalo and a good excuse to eat a lot of good food.

  Fall Sale:

The KBA annual fall sale is coming up Saturday December 6^th.

  Riffle Raffle:

Remember the raffle for the 1883 Winchester replica rifle. The “gun that won the west” is going on.   Tickets are 5$ each or 6 for $20.  The winning ticket will be drawn just before the fall sale Dec 6.  You do not have to be present to win.  Contact either Jerry Schmidt or Dan Ropp for fliers and tickets.   We need to sell a lot of tickets so get your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers to buy tickets.

Lastly

Please remember to come to our meeting August 9^th have a good time and learn a little about tours.

Verne Hubalek